In a nutshell
This review analyzed the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Some background
Normal sexual function is a complex process, and relies on psychological, hormonal, vascular (blood vessel) and neurological factors. Recent data has shown that psychological factors contribute to a high amount of ED cases. However, research on the effects of psychological interventions on erectile function, specifically compared to other known treatments of ED, is limited.
Methods & findings
Eleven trials, including a total of 398 men with ED, were included in this meta-analysis (an analysis of data combined from several different trials). The effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of ED was compared to that of oral drugs, local injections and vacuum devices.
Men participating in group therapy were less likely to experience persistant ED compared to men in the control group (those not receiving treatment). The number of men with persistent ED continued to decrease after 6 months of group therapy. Men participating in group therapy were 60% less likely to report persistent ED compared to those in a control group.
Two trials compared drug treatment with sildenafil (Viagra) plus group therapy to drug treatment alone. There was a significant decrease in the number of men with persistent ED among those receiving group therapy plus drug treatment. Men receiving group therapy plus drug treatment were 54% less likely to have persistent ED, and 71% less likely to drop out of the trial, compared to men receiving only drug treatment.
One small trial directly compared group therapy and sildenafil treatment. It found a significant difference in erectile function for those in group therapy.
No differences in effectiveness were found between psychological interventions versus local injection or vacuum devices.
The bottom line
This review concluded that psychotherapy, either alone or in combination with other treatments, improves erectile function. Combining therapy with sildenafil treatment significantly improved erectile dysfunction compared to drug therapy alone.
What’s next?
Talk with a professional care provider regarding the benefits of psychotherapy in treating erectile dysfunction.
Published By :
Cochrane database of systematic reviews
Date :
Oct 18, 2007
